Tell the audience when you change direction

March 16, 2022
4 Min Read

Season 7 Episode 7

In this episode, I want to discuss starting over / changing direction and why it can be positive and necessary.

So, recently, I've noticed a few of the podcasts and video channels I follow from some fantastic content creators announcing that they're stopping their shows. They've done final episodes where they explain their reasons and plans for moving on. This got me thinking, and don't worry, I'm not about to make any big announcements myself. But I found it interesting and thought they were doing the right thing.

If you're working on a project, whatever it may be, and you feel like you've done all you can or are just not interested in it anymore, it's okay to change.

Maybe your interests have shifted, or you want to explore something new. There's nothing wrong with that. It's perfectly fine to turn to your audience and say, “Hey, I think I'm done here. I want to go in a different direction. Thank you for being a part of this, and if you want to join me on my new journey, you're more than welcome.”

I think it's a healthy and responsible thing to do. From a listener's or viewer's perspective, it can be jarring when something you enjoy suddenly stops in the middle of things. It's like when your favorite TV show gets canceled, and you're left wondering what happens next. It can feel a bit disorienting. So, I want to take a moment to appreciate those content creators who wrap things up and let their audience know. It's a perfect thing to do, and I respect them for it.

By sharing your plans and reasons with your audience, you're sending a clear message that you care about them. It gives them closure and shows that you respect their time and support. It also allows them to understand where you're coming from and why you're making this change. And if you're starting something new, by sharing that journey with them, they'll be more likely to want to come along and be a part of it.

You may also be interested in the episode ‘Transition users, don't shock them.‘

For example, let's say you're ending a video channel or podcast, but you're starting a new one. You can say, “Hey, I'm going to do this new thing, or it'll be on the same feed, but the content will be different. Here's why and what it's going to be about.” By providing all the necessary information, you're allowing your audience to decide whether to continue with you on this new journey or move on to something else. It's a great way to wrap things up, especially in the fast-paced world of the internet, where everything spreads instantly.

So, while I don't have any plans to stop anytime soon, I wanted to address this topic for those of you who may find yourself in that space of wanting to change direction or stop something. I want you to know that it's okay to do so. Just explain your thoughts and reasons to your audience, and you may find that they're very receptive and supportive. I'm here to help you with your new journey or say thank you for the trip we've been on together.

To all those content creators who take this approach, thank you so much for explaining why you may suddenly disappear. I truly appreciate it, and I'm sure everyone else who listens and watches you does, too. With that, I'll catch you in the next episode!

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